Six ramifications of the Michael Crabtree injury

So just how difficult will it be for the 49ers without wide receiver Michael Crabtree (torn Achilles tendon) for most, if not all, of next season? Here are a few things to consider and not all of them are negative (but most of them are):

1). Crabtree might be easier to sign. By missing a season, Crabtree could be more amenable to taking less when his contract runs out either this year or next. If Crabtree had caught 90 passes for 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, he might have priced himself out of re-signing with the 49ers. less

1). Crabtree might be easier to sign. By missing a season, Crabtree could be more amenable to taking less when his contract runs out either this year or next. If Crabtree had caught 90 passes for 1,500 yards ... more

Photo: Ben Margot / Associated Press

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2). Coach Jim Harbaugh declined to say if the 49ers would sign a veteran receiver. But if they did, former 49er Brandon Lloyd might be the first one they call. He worked out for the team last year before signing in New England. The 49ers then signed Mario Manningham. Lloyd was originally taken by the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2003 draft out of Illinois, the same school that last year’s top pick, A.J. Jenkins, attended.
His time with the 49ers was marked by brilliance and questions about his character, which followed him throughout his 11-year career. He has played for six teams in that time and signed a three-year deal with the Patriots last season. However, after failing to come to agreement on a restructuring of his $12.5 million contract, the Pats released him. less

2). Coach Jim Harbaugh declined to say if the 49ers would sign a veteran receiver. But if they did, former 49er Brandon Lloyd might be the first one they call. He worked out for the team last year before ... more

Photo: Justin Kase Conder / US PRESSWIRE

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3). The onus of the receiving game now falls on Anquan Boldin. Throughout his career, he has always had a top receiver on the other side of him, whether it was Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona or Torrey Smith in Baltimore. Now Boldin will be a clear number one. less

3). The onus of the receiving game now falls on Anquan Boldin. Throughout his career, he has always had a top receiver on the other side of him, whether it was Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona or Torrey Smith in ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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4). There’s no one on the 49ers roster currently who does what Crabtree can do. He’s an excellent route runner and a terrific blocker. They will have to replace him with a number of players.

4). There’s no one on the 49ers roster currently who does what Crabtree can do. He’s an excellent route runner and a terrific blocker. They will have to replace him with a number of players.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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5). Because of their depth, the 49ers had the luxury of sitting their rookies last season. With this injury, more responsibility could fall on second-round tight end Vance McDonald and fourth-round rookie Quinton Patton. less

5). Because of their depth, the 49ers had the luxury of sitting their rookies last season. With this injury, more responsibility could fall on second-round tight end Vance McDonald and fourth-round rookie ... more

Photo: Jeff Lewis / Associated Press

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6). A few weeks ago, there was a possibility A.J. Jenkins might not make the team if Patton proved to be clearly better. Now, Jenkins might be the starter to begin the season if Manningham is not yet recovered from his knee surgery. less

6). A few weeks ago, there was a possibility A.J. Jenkins might not make the team if Patton proved to be clearly better. Now, Jenkins might be the starter to begin the season if Manningham is not yet recovered ... more